Onward, Sony Soldiers

SYDNEY - Sony Australia yesterday took Aussie IT reptiles of the press to church as it showed off some of its latest gear.

CDN would like to report that the more penitent reptiles knelt reverently at the stained glass windows and altar, pictured, but - alas - it was not so.

A few did however appear to genuflect at shrines devoted to Sony's super-slim new Vaio Tab 11 and Tab 21 tablets - or are they laptops or home entertainment hubs? - as well as its Cybershot lens that attaches to any smartphone and an ActionCam wearable camera for off-road bikers, skiers and surfers.

Some of these devices were shown at the recent IFA show in Berlin, and Sony was keen to get them in front of the Aussie press. Pricing and release dates in most cases have not yet been set.

Sony chose Bar 100 in Sydney's Rocks area for the task. Bar 100 began life as a chapel for lonely visiting sailors, and the vaulted roof, stained glass windows of religious figures and other churchy bits have been retained - though balanced somewhat yesterday by more modern nude female paintings.

It was an enjoyable outing - most Sony events are. A confession: we did sip from the chalice.